Jesus walks on water John 6:16 - 21 #50

Updated on October 12, 2013

John 6:16 - 21

"When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."

It was just one of those days. You know the kind. The kind where you wish you had never gotten out of bed in the morning. That’s the kind of day we had and now we were exhausted, drained and running on empty. We had left Jesus on the shore to get rid of the crowds. Now we just wanted to get to the other side of the lake and rest. But the day wasn’t done with us yet. After all, it was the Sea of Galilee we were sailing, and she was not known for her compassion. A fierce wind had come screaming off the surrounding cliffs and whipped the sea into a frenzy. It took all of our strength to keep afloat. Fortunately, the fishermen among us were used to the lake and her temperament. Still, we had to put aside all our passions of the day and focus on the task in front of us, keeping alive. No dwelling on our sorrow and anger over the death of the Baptist or thinking of our resentment towards the crowds for taking away our time alone with Jesus. The sea demanded our full attention. Focused and intent, we almost missed the apparition coming towards us across the lake. It was just about to pass us when we noticed it. Fear gripped our hearts and we cried out in terror. It was a ghost! What else could this day possibly hold? Then it spoke to us, calling out “it is I; don’t be afraid”. The voice was familiar, it was Jesus. Relief and amazement washed over us. How did he do it? Wrapped up in our own feelings, we had totally missed the miracle of the loaves so we were unprepared for this new demonstration of power. As soon as Jesus joined us in the boat, the wind stopped. Beside ourselves with wonder, we worshipped him. For a minute we understood, this was the Son of God. Immediately we were at our destination.

Jesus' promise to be with us:

Matthew 28:20b - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus' promise that we will recognize his voice (we are the sheep, Jesus is the shepherd):

John 10:4b -"his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

Here was a miracle, performed just for the disciples. Jesus knew their hearts were troubled and the storms of life had become overwhelming for them. In the midst of their battle with the wind and the waves, they didn’t even recognize Jesus. It wasn’t until they heard his voice that their fear left them. If you have made Jesus the master of your life, he is always with you. During the storms and trials of your own life, if you take the time to listen, you too will hear his voice.

It was a couple of years after high school when I first remember hearing his voice. I had just gotten the news that something frightening had happened to someone I loved. It was life altering for all of us and the future suddenly became dark and scary. I didn’t know what to do. I felt so powerless and overwhelmed. Sinking to my knees beside my bed and sobbing into my pillow, I poured out my broken heart to God. As I ran out of tears and words, an unexplained peace came over me and I was filled with an assurance that everything was going to be ok. The situation didn’t change and the future was still scary, but I no longer felt afraid. I knew beyond all doubt that Jesus would be with us every step of the way and would help us over every hurdle we would encounter. This is the kind of peace that comes with having a personal relationship with God. It almost makes the trials worth going through.